Billy Herrington will always have a soft spot for Detroit, not just because it’s where he got his start in the SMJHL, but because the city itself left an impression on him. People call it the Motor City, the home of hardworking, blue-collar grit, and that energy was something he felt every time he walked around town. Between games and practices, he found time to explore. Downtown Detroit had this raw, electric energy—he’d grab a burger at one of the local joints, walk along the riverfront, or check out a live music spot when the schedule allowed. Detroit wasn’t about flash; it was about passion. Every person he met had a story, whether it was a lifelong Falcons fan who shared old war stories about the team or a restaurant owner who had been in the same spot for decades. The food scene was underrated, too. Billy still swears by Detroit-style pan pizza—crispy, cheesy, and absolutely loaded with flavor. There was nothing like hitting up a local spot after a win and digging into a deep-dish square, edges caramelized to perfection. And the city’s resurgence over the years? He got to see it firsthand, watching new places pop up alongside the old, iconic staples. Even though his career has taken him elsewhere, Detroit is one of those places that always feels like a second home. Whenever the schedule brings him back, he takes a moment to appreciate it—not just for the memories on the ice but for the city itself, a place that taught him what it means to work hard and never back down.